Richard W. Kocher, age 82, of Bloomsburg, died unexpectedly on Saturday afternoon, December 17, 2016, a patient of the Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital. Richard was a resident of his home in Scott Township for over 60 years.
Richard was born on Monday, July 9, 1934 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late William and Orpha (Stiner) Kocher. Throughout his younger years he attended and graduated from the former Scott School. For a brief time, Richard attended the former Bloomsburg Teachers College until being drafted from the National Guard. Richard served his country faithfully during the Korean Conflict while serving in the United States Army. On July 21, 1956, Richard married his loving wife, Janet L.Wintersteen of Bloomsburg. Throughout his working career, Richard was employed for the former Magee Carpet Co, in the IBM department and also worked for many years at RENCO. He was a life long member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council, as a youth leader for many years and also assisted with the church stand at the Bloomsburg Fair. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Scoutmaster for Troop 20 in Lightstreet for many years. He was a Scott Township Supervisor for over 30 years. Outside of working, Richard loved spending his time in many woodworking and automotive projects. He also loved spending time mowing his yard with one of his children or grandchildren on his lap. Richard was always ready for a good game of cards with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Richard was also preceded by a sister, Melva Wintersteen.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Janet L.Kocher of Bloomsburg; a son, Richard S. Kocher and wife, Carol, of Ambler, son, Ronald L. Kocher and wife, Chris, of Stillwater, son, Randy W. Kocher and wife, Suzanne of Bloomsburg, daughter, Renee A. Fruit and husband, Robert, of Berwick, grandson, Tom Higgins, granddaughter, Sarah Chladek and husband, Manfred, granddaughter, Kelley Foran and husband, Robert, grandson, Andrew Kocher and wife, Katelyn, grandson, Billy Kocher and wife, Stephanie, grandson, Tim Kocher and wife, Kate, granddaughter, Molly Kocher, granddaughter, Kathleen Kocher, grandson, Robby Fruit and wife, Bridget, granddaughter, Alicia Fruit, great grandson, Benjamin Kocher, great grandson, Jonathan Kocher, great granddaughter, Camyron Kocher, great granddaughter, Lena Kocher, great granddaughter, Quinn Kocher, great granddaughter, Vyolet Olscvay, and a great grandson, Wesley Fruit.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday morning, December 22, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9 St. Luke's Way in Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will also begin on Thursday morning, December 22, at 11:00 am at the St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9 St. Luke's Way, Bloomsburg with his pastor, Rev. John Fenton, officiating. Graveside committal services with full Military Honors will immediately follow in the New Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the Kocher family.
Memorial contributions in Richard's name are suggested to: St. Luke Lutheran Church, Shriner's Children Hospital, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org or the Boy Scouts of American Troop 20, 5 Audobon Court, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.